HI SCR90

Requests the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) assume responsibility for routine maintenance and repair of the 26-mile Kohala Ditch on the island of Hawaii, which supplies over 5 million gallons of water daily to farmers and ranchers in North Kohala.

Directs ADC to develop and implement a comprehensive maintenance plan including regular inspections, necessary repairs, upgrades following best practices, and collaboration with surrounding communities, farmers, ranchers, and relevant stakeholders.

Requires ADC to submit reports to the Legislature no later than 20 days before each Regular Session detailing maintenance activities, expenditures, current condition assessments, completed work, and recommendations for further improvements.

Addresses a 2021 rockslide that damaged a critical flume, halting water flow and forcing farmers to pay 10 times more for county water, with $10 million allocated under Act 164 (2023) for repairs but funds not yet released due to grant compliance issues.

Aligns with ADC's statutory mandate established in 1994 to facilitate agricultural infrastructure transitions, increase local agricultural production, and provide farmland access for small local farmers and cooperatives.